Ryan Day, Marcus Freeman talk football, faith before National Championship Game

Day got one last chance to repeat his mantra for the season: Leave no doubt.

Established after the Buckeyes dropped a one-score game at Michigan in 2023, it also plays off similar close calls that kept his team from accomplishing its season goals.

“There’s a lot of messaging that happens when you play this long of a season,” Day said. “There’s different messages that you can come in and out of during the season, but we try to keep them as consistent as possible.

“The idea of leave no doubt is don’t leave it to one play, don’t leave it to one call, don’t leave it to the photo finish. Don’t leave it to the judges to call at the end of a boxing match. That’s it. Not that that’s easy, but that’s the reason behind it.”

The coaches discussed their similar philosophies to building a roster — based heavily on recruiting high schoolers with a willingness to add players from the transfer portal as needed — and how both teams have strongly embraced and advertised the importance of faith in their journeys this season.

“I think when you’re at Notre Dame, faith is something that’s openly talked about obviously being at a private Catholic university,” Freeman said. “Amongst our football program, it’s promoted. I’m not saying you have to be Catholic. We’re saying we want our young people to grow in their faith.

“I’m a believer, and I have a strong faith. That’s my personal opinion and beliefs, but I think we have a team of leaders that do a really great job of promoting and helping young people grow in their faith.”

Day mentioned having spent nine years at Boston College, a Jesuit school where religion was a daily emphasis and his children were baptized.

“But then going to Ohio State and being at a state university, it’s a different experience,” Day said. “But it’s been amazing to watch this team grow spiritually, and I just think those three pillars of your body, your mind and then your soul and spirit.

“We have Bible studies and reflections that we have that we’ll have folks come in and speak at, and we have been for a long time. But then also seeing our players lead them in those moments, but then there’s also times where I’ll walk around the corner and see a bunch of guys in a room together that we didn’t even know about that they’re having a Bible study, talking.

“And the impact they’ve made on our community and even nationally is significant here, and I’m proud of where those guys have gone in their journey. Again, I think it’s a great example for some of our young players.”

The Buckeyes and Fighting Irish are set to kick off at 7:45 Monday night.

Ohio State is seeking its ninth national championship while Notre Dame officially claims 11 national titles.